50mm vs 65mm on Mamiya RB67

kwall · Jan 28, 2012

Hi all,

If anyone has used both the 50mm and 65mm Mamiya-Sekors, I'm interested in a comparison. Other than the focal length, which is obviously a consideration, are there significant differences between the two? The 50mm 4.5c has a good reputation and I'm leaning that way, but I'd like to more opinions. I'm sure there are a lot of those here.

Thanks!

Kurt

epatsellis · Jan 28, 2012

I have and use both, frequently. The 50 feels really wide, wider than the lens equivalency charts would have you think. For general use, the 65 is quite wide.

keithwms · Jan 28, 2012

Get the 65 and the 6x8 back. I am not a fan of the rb 50s (compared with the amazing 50 uld on the rz,at least) but it might work well for you, especially for b&w work.

The 65 is excellent and is also rather inexpensive for what it delivers.

epatsellis · Jan 28, 2012

I will admit, my references are somewhat skewed, as I now primarily shoot 7x7 with the RB and the Dicomed Scan Back, haven't actually put a roll of film in a back in quite some time. And before you ask Keith, yes I still have a pile of 120 and 220 backs.

Alan Klein · Jan 28, 2012

Here are 50mm shots. Sorry I don't have the 65. The 50mm is roughly 28mm equivalent in a 35mm camera. The 65mm equals about 35mm equivalent. Good luck on whatever you decide.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/tags/50mm/

Jeff Kubach · Jan 28, 2012

I don't have the 65 but I'm a wide angle type of guy, so I have a 50.

Jeff

Maris · Jan 28, 2012

I tried both and went for the 50mm. The image quality is so good I can always crop a 65mm view out of the 50mm but not the other way around,

MattKing · Jan 29, 2012

The 65 is more likely to be used as a standard lens by me - I use a 35mm lens as a standard lens on 35mm film.

I've had my 50mm lens longer than I've had my 65mm lens, and I really like it.

David Brown · Jan 29, 2012

Alan Klein said:
The 50mm is roughly 28mm equivalent in a 35mm camera. The 65mm equals about 35mm equivalent.

I have and use both. Like so many other "what (fill in the blank) should I use" questions, it's really up to you. I use these two, and a 90 and a 180 depending on what I need to frame the picture at hand. YMMV.

kwall · Jan 29, 2012

David Brown said:
I have and use both. Like so many other "what (fill in the blank) should I use" questions, it's really up to you. I use these two, and a 90 and a 180 depending on what I need to frame the picture at hand. YMMV.

Indeed, David. Thanks for reminding me. I understand I ultimately make the decision based on my own needs and interests, but I can still profit from others' experiences and input. As an MF noob and an eager film convert, I'd be imprudent not to take advantage of the wisdom and experience here.

Kurt

kwall · Jan 29, 2012

Thanks everyone! This was the input (and examples) for which I was hoping. At least at KEH, an LN- or better 65mm and is slightly less expensive than an EX+ 50mm, so I think I'm going to go with the 65mm. Thanks again!

Kurt

keithwms · Jan 29, 2012

Good choice. Be happy. Don't forget the 6x8 back if you can find one. May be able to adapt a 6x9 back as well.

50mm vs 65mm on Mamiya RB67

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